ATLANTA — Ivan Nova was ticked off.

He really wanted another complete game.

Nova pitched into the ninth inning before tiring, local favorite Adam Frazier hit a three-run homer and the Pittsburgh Pirates pounded Bartolo Colon for a 9-4 victory over the Atlanta Braves on Thursday.

After breezing through the first six innings, facing only three over the minimum, Nova (5-3) came up short in his bid to become the first pitcher in the big leagues this season with three complete games.

He went to the ninth with a 9-2 lead, only to be lifted after giving up three hits.

“It’s frustrating,” said Nova, who went 8 1/3 innings before Jhan Marinez got the final two outs. “To go out in the ninth inning with that lead, I’ve got to finish it off. I didn’t make the pitches I needed to make and it almost got away from us.”

Pittsburgh manager Clint Hurdle had no complaints. Nova retired 19 hitters on three pitches or fewer, and only went to three balls on one batter — Kurt Suzuki, who walked in the second.

The only solace for the Braves: It was the first time in Nova’s three career appearances against them that they’ve scored an earned run.

“He knows how to attack,” Hurdle said. “There’s an art to pitching. He’s not throwing. He’s pitching.”

The Pirates split the four-game series at SunTrust Park after losing the first two contests. This one was easy after Pittsburgh put up five runs in the third inning, capped by Frazier’s third homer this season.

It was another big day for the rookie who grew up about an hour away near Athens, Georgia. The previous night, Frazier reached base safely in all six plate appearances, including a homer and four walks .

“That’s pretty awesome,” he said, beaming.

Colon (2-5) had another tough outing. One day after his 44th birthday, he allowed seven runs and 10 hits in a five-inning stint, raising his ERA to 6.96.

An All-Star last season for the New York Mets, Colon has been charged with five or more runs in half of his 10 starts with the Braves.

“It’s on me,” he said through a translator. “When you get behind on the count, you have to throw it down the middle. That’s what hurts you.”

When asked if Colon would stay in the rotation, manager Brian Snitker said, “As of right now, yes.”

He added, “I look at the guy’s track record. I’ve got the feeling that a guy who has survived as long as he has will find a way to make the adjustments he needs to do to be successful.”

Francisco Cervelli tied his career high with four hits, driving in a pair of runs. Jordy Mercer also had two RBIs.

Left fielder Josh Harrison made a diving grab in the third inning to deny Colon his first hit of the season.

Colon smiled on his way back to the dugout.